Story perspectives

Work-at-home Moms Breastfeed Less Than Outside Workers

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Natsuko Wood reported that work-at-home mothers have lower exclusive-breastfeeding rates than mothers who work outside the home.
At 24 weeks, exclusive breastfeeding persisted for about 70% of outside-working mothers, 60% of work-at-home mothers, and 37% of stay-at-home mothers.
Following 81 mothers from June 2022 to August 2023, the team linked lower rates to limited formal support, unclear workplace boundaries, and the continuous unpaid workload of stay-at-home mothers.

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Story summary

Natsuko Wood reported that work-at-home mothers have lower exclusive-breastfeeding rates than mothers who work outside the home.
At 24 weeks, exclusive breastfeeding persisted for about 70% of outside-working mothers, 60% of work-at-home mothers, and 37% of stay-at-home mothers.
Following 81 mothers from June 2022 to August 2023, the team linked lower rates to limited formal support, unclear workplace boundaries, and the continuous unpaid workload of stay-at-home mothers.